The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), UK, has announced the first round of grants to develop the next-generation of offshore wind technology.
Grants of up to £10m ($15.1m) will be issued, including the allocation of £5m ($7.5m) to seven UK firms, increasing the country’s supply chain for offshore wind.
The grants will also include £5m ($7.5m) for Siemens Windpower to develop a 6MW offshore turbine with an integrated foundation design in the UK.
The firms that are to receive the first half of the grants include £2m for JDR Cable Systems, Converteam, Cooper Rolling Bearings and Blade Dynamics.
The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, said the investments can help Britain’s businesses reap the benefits of renewable energy while also lowering costs to consumers.
“It is important that we support UK supply chain companies even in these tough economic times with grants that help them develop technologies to fit the emerging market,” Huhne said.
